Former Eagle, Mom Charged in Mortgage Scam

Receive the latest local updates in your inbox

New Jersey authorities say former Philadelphia Eagle Irving Fryar has been indicted on theft charges.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman announced Wednesday that Fryar, 51, and his mother, Allene McGhee, 72, are charged with conspiring to steal more than $690,000.

Prosecutors say the pair engaged in a "sophisticated mortgage fraud scam" by allegedly having McGhee obtain five equity loans on her home within a six-day period.

"This is not a case in which Mr. Fryar and his mother simply omitted or misstated information on loan applications,” said Hoffman. “This indictment alleges that they engaged in an elaborate criminal scheme that was designed to defraud these banks of hundreds of thousands of dollars."

Fryar, who grew up in Mount Holly Township, lives in Springfield and is the pastor of a Burlington County church that he founded. He's also the head coach of the Robbinsville High School varsity football team. His mother lives in Willingboro.

The former Pro Bowl wide receiver played for four NFL teams between 1984 and 2000, including the Philadelphia Eagles.

"It is disappointing that someone with an illustrious career in professional sports who now is a minister and coach in the community is charged with this crime, but he must face justice like anyone else,” said Hoffman.